Calistoga sits at the northern end of Napa Valley at 362 feet elevation, where summer temperatures regularly reach 85-95°F during peak camping season. The region combines vineyard landscapes with volcanic features, including the petrified forest and Old Faithful Geyser. Campgrounds in this area offer both riverfront locations and wooded settings, with seasonal considerations impacting availability and comfort.
What to do
Hiking at Trione-Annadel State Park: Explore miles of trails connecting to Spring Lake Regional Park, popular with mountain bikers. "From the campground you can easily hike 20 miles around the park. There are a handful of great loop options and a few great out and backs too," notes a visitor to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground.
Paddle on Russian River: Rent inner tubes for $5 daily at Schoolhouse Canyon to float the river. "They own a large beach across the road and is only open to schoolhouse guests so it's not too crowded and all familiar faces," according to a camper at Schoolhouse Canyon Campground.
Stargazing with experts: Visit the observatory at Sugarloaf Ridge. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time! Every site had their own cleaned porta potty which was very nice," shares a reviewer who appreciated the organized astronomy programs.
Winery tours: Stay at campgrounds near vineyards for easy access. "There are also several wonderful wineries and tasting rooms within a couple miles of the park located around the town of Kenwood," reports a Sugarloaf Ridge visitor who enjoyed combining camping with wine tasting.
What campers like
Private river access: Many campgrounds offer exclusive water areas. "The beach along the river is for the camps private use and there is a company that will rent you stand up paddle boards ($50 for two hours or $100 per day)," mentions a guest at Schoolhouse Canyon.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campgrounds provide chances to see local fauna. "We saw a doe within 10 mins of setting up camp just a few steps away," reports a visitor to Skyline Wilderness Park, which backs up to wilderness areas where wildlife sightings are common.
Proximity to towns: Enjoy camping with nearby amenities. "Location itself is GREAT. 5 mins from everything in town. Had good cell service and park was clean," writes a Skyline Wilderness visitor who appreciated the balance of nature and convenience.
Onsite activities: Several campgrounds feature recreational options. "Great things for kids to be entertained by and enjoy for sure," notes a visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.
What you should know
Varying site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly in the region. "The campground is set around an open meadow, but spaces are a bit close together," explains a Sugarloaf Ridge camper, while other campgrounds offer more secluded options.
Fire restrictions: Some locations limit or prohibit fires during summer months. "The sites include long paved driveways, tables, and fire pits in the sand," notes a reviewer at Bodega Dunes Campground, but always check current fire regulations before your trip.
Evening temperatures: Prepare for cool nights even in summer. "Given that the campground is on the water, it can get very chilly at night and the wind tends to pick up," warns a Bodega Dunes camper about coastal camping conditions.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies by location. "There is NO VERIZON service in the campsite and limited to no Verizon service for about 1/2 mile out of the campsite," reports a Casini Ranch visitor, while other campgrounds offer WiFi options.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated play areas: Choose campgrounds with kid-specific facilities. "Great campsite, awesome staff. Tucked away off highway 12 in wine country it feels much more remote than it actually is. It's a great fast getaway from the northbay," says a visitor about Sugarloaf Ridge.
Consider noise policies: Some campgrounds enforce strict quiet hours. "This is a quiet campsite. Radios aren't allowed, so if you are looking to party late into the night this isn't the spot for you," explains a Schoolhouse Canyon Campground visitor who appreciated the peaceful environment.
Beach access for kids: Look for safe swimming areas. "The Russian River is conveniently across the street, and the gravel beach area is great for little waders (River shoes are a must though)," advises a Schoolhouse Canyon camper.
Education opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs. "They have tons of nature events throughout the summer (docent led hikes for example). The volunteers who run the place do a fantastic job with everything, from keeping the site clean, to providing tons of info for budding naturalists," shares a Sugarloaf Ridge visitor.
Tips from RVers
Reservation strategies: Many RV sites fill quickly in summer months. "The premium sites are basically parking spaces in a dirt lot," cautions a visitor to Casini Ranch, suggesting careful site selection when booking.
Site leveling requirements: Check reviews for site conditions. "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks," notes a camper at Skyline Wilderness Park, which can save setup time upon arrival.
Hookup variations: RV services differ widely between campgrounds. "Paid a premium price for a Saturday one nighter, but it certainly is a great VIP campsite. The host says they will come around in the morning and empty our tanks! No need to hook up our sewer hose!" shares an enthusiastic visitor about the premium services at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA.
Inner campground navigation: Some layouts present challenges for larger vehicles. "After looping around to approach the site, I found the streets all very tight for RV maneuvering," warns a KOA visitor about navigating within the campground.
